New twist in Robben saga

Friday 26 January 2007 00:07 BST

Arjen Robben's proposed move to Real Madrid took a further twist on Wednesday night when Chelsea revealed the Dutch winger was omitted from the squad which drew 1-1 with Feyenoord because of a knee injury.

Just hours after Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claimed the deal hinged on the London club's willingness to do business, Robben was left at home by the Blues as Frank Lampard's leveller enabled Chelsea to keep their unbeaten pre-season record intact.

The Barclays Premier League club, winners of the FA and Carling Cups last season, have shrugged off all previous attempts by Madrid to land the Holland international. Now any proposed deal could be scuppered by the fitness of the 23-year-old winger.

Chelsea assistant boss Steve Clarke confirmed: "He's got a small problem with his knee. He stayed behind for treatment. It's not major - we've decided to rest him for a week to 10 days, and he'll be fine after that. He's still a Chelsea player."

Madrid have been closely linked with Robben throughout the summer but have failed to persuade Chelsea to part with the player - even after the Londoners added Lyon winger Florent Malouda to their squad.

Madrid now want to strengthen their own squad still further and have again identified Robben as their key acquisition.

Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich recently insisted Robben would not be sold at any price, but negotiations over a new long-term deal with the player appear to have broken down.

The 23-year-old was in the process of negotiating a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, but there are increasingly ominous signs that it is now only a matter of time before Madrid finally get their man.

Calderon said: "We are advancing in the negotiations. Those responsible are doing it very well, and I hope that it comes to fruition. But until the agreement is closed, we cannot say anything.

"It has to be the selling club who first decides - and once that has happened, I don't suppose there will be any problems resolving the player's contract."